Service Details

Unique Line Cargo Services places a major emphasis on Customs Clearance as a critical part of their value proposition. They understand that a quick and cost-effective clearance process is paramount for importers, especially to avoid penalties like demurrage (charges for containers sitting too long at the port).

Their customs service is designed to remove the complex paperwork and regulatory burden from the customer, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for cargo through borders in East Africa.

Key Aspects of Their Customs Clearance Service:

• Experienced Clearing Agent: Unique Line Cargo functions as an experienced and professional clearing agent with a broad understanding of the customs and port clearance regulations and procedures. They are staffed by a professional team whose expertise is aimed at helping customers concentrate on their core business.
• Geographical Specialization: Their customs expertise is focused on their primary destination markets: Kenya, Somalia (including various branches like Mogadishu, Jubaland, and Puntland), and Ethiopia. They have dedicated clearance teams and email contacts for these regions, indicating localized knowledge.
• Single-Window Solution: This service is vital to their Door-to-Door Solutions. When a client opts for door-to-door delivery, Unique Line Cargo handles the entire customs process, including:
  • Documentation Filing: Preparing and submitting all necessary documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, etc.) to the customs authorities.
  • Tariff Classification: Correctly classifying the goods using the internationally recognized Harmonized System (HS) Codes to ensure the appropriate duties and taxes are applied, preventing misclassification delays or penalties.
  • Duty and Tax Payment: Managing the assessment and payment of all applicable import duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Duties, and other levies on behalf of the customer.
  • Liaison: Working directly with various local authorities, including customs officials, terminals, and other regulatory bodies, to expedite the cargo release.
• Averting Demurrage: A core benefit of their swift and efficient process is getting containers and cargo released from the ports before demurrage starts to accrue, which saves the customer significant cost.

The Clearance Process in Summary:

1. Documentation Prep: The Unique Line team receives the necessary shipping documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading) from the shipper.
2. Pre-Arrival Filing: They process and submit customs declarations electronically, often before the cargo physically arrives at the port (Pre-Arrival Processing).
3. Assessment and Payment: Customs assesses the duties and taxes based on the cargo’s value and HS Code. Unique Line handles the payment and secure the required release order.
4. Final Release: Once clearance is granted, the cargo is transferred from the port or airport to their warehousing facilities or directly onto their road transport for final door-to-door delivery.

By integrating customs clearance directly into their freight services, Unique Line Cargo simplifies international trade and provides a “peace of mind” guarantee to the importer.